The new Residential Tenancies Amendment Regulation 2025 is here – What You Need to Know

4 April 2025

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Regulation 2025 (NSW) (Amendment Regulation) has been released, bringing significant changes that will impact agency practice. These new reforms support the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (NSW) and most of the provisions take effect on 19 May 2025. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and compliant.

Some of the key changes in the Amendment Regulation include:

  • Pets: Landlords cannot refuse pets under certain grounds, such as:
    • If there are four, or fewer, animals at the premises. 
    • If there is inappropriate fencing because the landlord has failed to keep a fence in a reasonable state of repair. 
    • If the animal will be primarily kept in an enclosure or inside (and under the tenant’s effective control if taken outside).
    • The animal will likely cause damage that will cost more to reasonably repair than the bond. If that damage is “highly probable” to occur then the landlord may refuse consent. 
    • Please note that there is no consent required for assistance animals.
  • Termination Notices: There are new evidence requirements for issuing termination notices on certain prescribed grounds, like proposed sale or significant repairs to the property, including highly detailed documents, contracts and quotes.
  • Centrepay: The introduction of Centrepay as a prescribed method for tenants to pay rent will commence at a later date, as the service is currently closed to new business applicants. 
  • Standard Lease: There are changes to the standard residential tenancy agreement to reflect these reforms, as applicable, including transitional provisions for agreements made before 19 May 2025.
  • Information regarding penalties: The Amendment Regulation introduces new penalties for non-compliances with some of the reforms.

The Amendment Regulation also includes details on eviction data collection. 

It’s essential for agents to fully understand the implications of these changes, which is why REINSW will cover both the theory and practical application of the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act and Regulation in detail at our RTA Reforms Event at various locations.

We urge you to attend this event to gain a clear understanding of the new reforms, how they impact your agency, and what steps you need to take to stay compliant. Our experts will break down the changes, answer your questions, and provide practical guidance to help you navigate these reforms with confidence.

While REINSW has opposed these reforms for years, we acknowledge the Government's commitment to these changes which reflect an election promise the Government has been determined to keep (particularly with the elections coming up in May)

Whilst REINSW has advocated on the industry’s behalf against these changes, it has had some success in its advocacy efforts to make these reforms fairer and more balanced than original proposals.

We’re here to help you understand what you need and to support you to implement these changes.

For those of you who oppose the reforms, we encourage you to visit REINSW’s microsite and complete the pro forma letters to lobby against these reforms at the national level.

If you have any questions about these changes or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to the REINSW Helpline on (02) 9264 2343 or via email at [email protected].

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